Airport - Queenstown, New Zealand

Rydges Hotel is a 20-30 minute drive from Queenstown Airport, depending on traffic. The average taxi fare is NZ$50. Taxis are readily available outside the main airport terminal. Airport shuttle services and car rentals are also available. 

Agricultural Restrictions and Quarantine

New Zealand's agricultural industries are free of many insect pests and plant and animal diseases common elsewhere in the world. We put a lot of effort at ports and airports into minimising the risk of these being introduced. Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying prohibited materials. On arrival visitors should place any questionable items, particularly fruit, in the bins provided at the airport. Please refer to http://biosecurity.govt.nz for more information. 

Air Travel

Air New Zealand
Phone: +64 800 737 000
Website: http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/

For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Meeting commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The ‘lost day’ will be returned on the return journey. To obtain the best rates for domestic air travel, it is essential to book airfares as soon as possible. 

Banks

Banks in New Zealand are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) are open 24 hours and widely available at banks and along main shopping streets. International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, some hotels and Bureau de Change kiosks, which are found at international airports and most city centres. 

Car Parking

There is very limited parking on site which is $15.00 per night. There are a few road side parks along the front of the hotel also, but these are often in high demand.  

Car Rental

Cars can be rented in New Zealand from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized care is NZ$120.00. All cars are right-hand drive. 

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly accepted are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners. Only these cards are accepted by this Meeting. 

Currency Exchange

Decimal currency is used in New Zealand (NZD) and currency units are dollars and cents. New Zealand notes are $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5. Coins are $2, $1, 50c, 20c and 10 cents. For the latest currency exchange rates refer www.coinmill.com. 

Electricity

New Zealand has a 230 / 240 volt, 50 hertz system. The connection for appliances is a flat 3 or 2-pin plug, depending on whether an earth connection is fitted. Most city hotels provide 110 volts ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for shavers only and provide small appliances (hair dryers, irons, etc). Special adapters for all electrical appliances may need to be purchased prior to arrival in New Zealand. You will need an RJ45 type plug to be able to connect your laptop into a computer socket in New Zealand.  

Facilities for People with Disabilities

If you require disability specific facilities, please notify via the online registration process. 

Health

New Zealand has a high standard of hygiene. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you. 

Industry Exhibition

A wide and varied Exhibition will be co-ordinated by the Conference Managers. Expressions of interest in participating in the Exhibition or Sponsoring the Conference are welcomed by the Conference Managers. If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or exhibitor, please contact Donna Clapham, Workz4U, on +64 9 917 3653 or donna@w4u.co.nz 

Insurance

Delegates are advised to book comprehensive travel and medical insurance and ensure that all possessions are adequately insured. The policy should include loss of fees/deposits through cancellation of your participation in the conference. The Conference Managers will not accept any responsibility for delegates failing to arrange their own insurance. 

International Driving Licences and Permits

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country, or an International Driving Permit (IDP). All drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their licence or permit when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country. The common legal age to rent a car in New Zealand is 25 years. Make sure your overseas driver's licence is current. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP. 

Invitation Letters

Invitation letters are not required by Immigration New Zealand for visa applications. As such, we do not issue personalised invitation letters for the conference. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for visa information: www.immigration.govt.nz/

To assist in obtaining any necessary visas that you may require, it is essential that you complete the registration via the Meeting website ensuring to include a valid email address and credit card details. The Conference Managers will process your registration and send you a confirmation invoice confirming receipt of your payment and attendance at the Meeting. You will then be able to present this invoice to your Embassy/High Commission to assist with the application of your visa. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, a full refund will be provided.

Due to strict visa requirements for the countries listed below, registrations and presentations will not be confirmed until the applicant has obtained a visa:

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Iran, Pakistan, Algeria, Libya, Egypt. 

Liability Disclaimer

The Organising Committee, including the Conference Managers, will not accept liability for damages of any nature sustained by participants or their accompanying persons or loss or damage to their personal property as a result of the meeting or related events. In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances, The Conference Managers accepts no responsibility for loss of monies. 

Mobile Phones

Check with your phone company before leaving home about international roam facilities available in New Zealand. As a courtesy to speakers, delegates are requested to switch their mobile phones to silent during sessions. Messages can be left at the Registration Desk. Delegates will need to check with the Registration Desk if they are expecting any messages. 

Name Badges

All delegates will be given a name badge upon registration. This name badge is your official pass to sessions, catering areas, the Welcome function and the Conference Dinner. It is necessary for delegates to wear their name badge at all time when on-site. 

No Smoking Policy

Delegates should be aware that smoking is banned in public buildings and many hotels and restaurants in NZ, including the Conference venue. 

Passport and Visas

All visitors to New Zealand must carry a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the date you intend to leave the country. You do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport 
• An Australian resident with a current return visa 
• If you are a citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand 

Visa Waivers - Currently travellers from more than 50 countries do not require a Visitor's Visa for stays less than three months. You do require:

• A passport that is valid for at least three months after your departure from NZ
• An onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter 
• Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay - approximately NZ$1000 per month per person 

To see if your country qualifies for a visa waiver, check out www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit section of the New Zealand Immigration Service www.immigration.govt.nz web site. You'll find a list of all eligible countries and other useful visa information. Your travel agent, airline or nearest New Zealand Embassy will also be able to advise you if you require a visa. British citizens and other British passport holders who have evidence of the right to live permanently in the United Kingdom may be allowed to stay for up to six months. 

Taxes

New Zealand applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price, and if not, is clearly stated. The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 15%. GST cannot be claimed back when leaving New Zealand. Tax is already included in the advertised conference prices.

Time Zone

The time zone for Queenstown is 13 hours ahead of GMT in October. 

Tipping and Service Charges

New Zealanders do not expect tips for normal service - even in restaurants and bars. However, tipping for extra special service or kindness is at the discretion of the visitor. Hotels and restaurants in New Zealand do not add service charges to their bills. 

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.

Venue

Rydges Queenstown
38-54 Lake Esplanade, Queenstown 9300
Ph: +64 3 442 7600
http://www.rydges.com/queenstown/

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact our Conference Managers.